February 2015

Tile backer boards are extremely useful when tiling wet areas as they create a smooth and even surface to tile on to whilst also providing a waterproof barrier beneath the tiles. If you are also using electric underfloor heating, tile backer boards create an insulating layer which stops heat from escaping below.

When installing tile backer board like Marmox Multiboard to floors, the method will depend on the subfloor type and use of the area. For example, waterproof tape will be needed in wet areas such as walk in showers and wet rooms. Multiboard can hold up to 40 tonnes per m2 on floors.

Installing Marmox boards using Adhesive

This method is suitable for most floor types and any thickness of tile backer board can be used on concrete or sheet timber, however a minimum thickness of 10mm is required for floor boards.

1. Make sure the sub floor is level, and dirt and dust free.

2. Comb on a cement based flexible adhesive using a 6-8mm notched trowel.

3. Push each board into the adhesive making sure they are level and laid in a staggered, or brick bond, pattern.

4. Tape all the joints with reinforcing tape, if the area needs to be waterproof add self-adhesive waterproof tape to all corners and joints.

5. The Marmox boards are now ready for tiling, if you are installing electric underfloor heating lay this directly on top of the boards and tile over.

Installing Marmox boards using Screws

The screw method for installing tile backer board is used to fix on to wooden floors.

1. Make sure the sub floor is level, and dirt and dust free and there are no loose boards.

2. Fix the boards in a staggered, or brick bond pattern, using stainless steel screws and washers every 300mm. These should be places 1 inch from the edge of each board and should be at least 30mm into the floor below.

3. Tape all the joints with reinforcing tape, if the area needs to be waterproof add self-adhesive waterproof tape to all corners and joints.

4. The Marmox boards are now ready for tiling, if you are installing electric underfloor heating lay this directly on top of the boards and tile over.

When Anthony Robb, owner of Wellington Tile Company, was importing terracotta in the 1980s he spotted a gap in the market. He wanted to give the stone an antique finish, so went home and created his own sealer in a cement mixer. Inspired by the ‘lionheart’ terracotta he was sealing, the brand was named Lionheart Terracotta Products, or LTP for short. The LTP range of cleaning and sealing products are now sold in over 700 tile, stone, fireplace and DIY showrooms across the UK.

LTP in Focus

Founded in 1984

Based in South West England

Manufacture a range of low odour, water based sealers and cleaners for long lasting protection for all tiled surfaces

Member of the Stone Federation of Great Britain and are part of the RIBA accredited CPD providers network

Have their own research and development department which enables them to adapt products to meet changing flooring specifications and legislation

LTP Products on Tile Fix Direct

LTP Mattstone H2O

LTP Mattstone H2O is a water based impregnating sealer suitable for use with all types of natural stone, quarry, brick and paving. The sealant gently enhances the colour of your stone whilst protecting against staining by repelling water, oil and grease. LTP have developed the product to be environmentally safer and low odour.

LTP Crackle Glaze Protector

Crackle glaze tiles are seeing an increase in popularity at the moment, and to keep them looking great they need to be properly sealed and looked after. The cracks in the glaze mean these tiles can be more porous and therefore prone to staining. LTP Crackle Glaze Protector creates a clear, colourless barrier against common household contaminants including water, oil, dirt, grease and limescale. It can also be used to protect the tiles from staining when using coloured grouts.

LTP Clean and Seal Packs

Tile Fix Direct offers a range of kits from LTP that include everything you need to clean and seal your tiles. Each kit contains a range of cleaners, sealers and after care products as well as sealant applicator pads, holders and handles. Browse the selection of LTP cleaning and sealing kits online.

See the full range of LTP products available to order online from Tile Fix Direct.

Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E is a polypropylene membrane with a cut back stud structure and an anchoring fleece laminated on the underside. This innovative uncoupling matting is designed as a universal substrate for tiling, as well as a moisture vapour barrier, which underfloor heating cables can be directly attached to. This removes the need for separate decoupling and underfloor heating systems – saving you time and money.

While electric underfloor heating is not a cost effective option for heating a whole house, it’s great as an additional heating system particularly in barefoot zones such as living rooms and bathrooms. The Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E is also perfect for buildings with very low heating energy needs as a backup or as temporary heating for buildings that are only occasionally occupied.

What’s In The Box?

Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-MA uncoupling mat

Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E-HK heating cable and additional remote sensor

Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E-RS thermostat set

Benefits Of Installing Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E

Heats up quickly and creates a warm floor in a short space of time.

Heating zones can be configured individually giving you precise control.

Quick and easy to install as the heating cables are installed in the uncoupling mat.

Low assembly height is ideally suited to renovation projects.

Uncoupling with proven Schlüter-DITRA technology.

Suitable for installation over problematic substrates.

Suitable for allergy sufferers as the space is heated from the floor up so no allergens are distributed.

There is no wear and tear making the system virtually maintenance free.

Cost efficient to buy, fit and maintain.

Electric underfloor heating systems are extremely durable and have a long service life.

When planning your wet room or walk in shower it is extremely important to carefully plan and install the flooring to avoid any dangerous and costly problems in the future. Each part of wet room flooring from the waterproofing to the tiles is extremely important, and in this blog we’ll take you through the things you need to consider before installing wet room flooring, as well as installation options.

Things to consider before installing wet room flooring:

Construction of the substrate

The placement of the shower tray

The size of the shower tray

If electric underfloor heating will be added

Which waterproofing method you will use

Wet room flooring installation methods will depend on your substrate and choice of waterproofing methods. If you are tiling over timber it is important that the boards are rigid enough to cope with the weight of boards, tiles and foot traffic. Check the individual installation guidelines for your chosen waterproofing method to check it is suitable for your substrate.

Once the shower tray is installed and the walls have been waterproofed you can begin waterproofing the floor. If you are not including electric underfloor heating the best option for waterproofing is using tile backer boards such as those from Orbry or Marmox. As well as waterproofing, tile backer boards can be used to raise the height of the floor by 10mm to sit flush with a walk-in shower tray.

If you are planning on installing electric underfloor heating a waterproof uncoupling membrane is a better option than tile backer boards for your wet room flooring. This is thinner and therefore will not raise the overall height of the floor more than the shower tray. The decoupling membrane will stop any movement in the substrate effecting the tiles above, as well as creating an insulated layer beneath the electric underfloor heating to project the heat upwards.

Once the entire wet room is watertight you can begin tiling. As a wet room contains a level access shower, water is more likely to splash throughout the room. This can create a slippery surface, therefore we would recommend using non-slip mosaic tiles to avoid any falls.